Unqualified Teacher to teach Food Technology

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Unqualified Teacher to join our specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people who require additional emotional, behavioural, and social support to succeed in education.

The successful candidate will primarily deliver Food Technology and Design Technology (DT) lessons, supporting learners to develop practical skills, confidence, and engagement through hands-on, creative learning. You will be working with pupils who may present with a range of needs including SEMH difficulties, autism, ADHD, trauma-related behaviours, and disengagement from learning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver engaging Food Technology and DT lessons, following school schemes of work
• Adapt learning to meet the individual needs of pupils with SEMH needs
• Create a safe, structured, and positive practical learning environment
• Manage behaviour effectively using consistent, trauma-informed approaches
• Support pupils in developing life skills, independence, and vocational interests
• Work collaboratively with teaching assistants, SEN staff, and pastoral teams
• Contribute to EHCP targets and individual learning plans
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in practical/food preparation environments

About You:

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about working with young people with SEMH needs
• Calm, resilient, and able to build strong, positive relationships
• Confident in delivering or supporting practical lessons (Food Tech/DT)
• Flexible and able to adapt teaching approaches to individual learners
• Strong in behaviour management and classroom routines
• Committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable learners

Desirable (not essential):

• Experience in SEMH, PRU, alternative provision, or SEND settings
• Background in Food Technology, Design Technology, catering, or trade skills
• Experience working with challenging behaviour or youth work
• Willingness to work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

At Portland School, we are dedicated to providing exceptional learning and experiences to pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMHD). Our mission is to empower young minds and nurture futures, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential.

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:

• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
• Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
• Free Eye Tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.

We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.

Portland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust’s commitment to safer recruitment.